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Helpful Tips to Conquer the TEAS Exam

October 17, 2017 | 9:00am

Unfortunately, there is a tremendous amount of work needed to prepare for the ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS). The ATI TEAS is required to register for some nursing schools, and it covers specific content areas. Most candidates have not taken an academic-based test in a while, and think taking a test can be overwhelming. Don’t worry, we’re here to guide you through information covered on the ATI TEAS test.

ATI TEAS Reading Tips

The ATI TEAS Reading section is 64 minutes long and contains 53 questions. The questions are often preceded by a long or short passage.

It is helpful to read the questions first and then read the passage. This will give you an idea of what to focus on when reading the passage.

You will often see questions beginning with “logically conclude.” This is a trap! Don’t be tempted to make assumptions about the text based on your own personal understanding—try to keep to the facts in the text.

Many questions will focus on your ability to determine the difference between opinion and fact. These questions can be tricky if you are not used to them, so practice recognizing the difference between fact (the sky is blue) and opinion (the sky is pretty).

Familiarize yourself with different writing styles, such as persuasive and informational writing styles.

Try to improve your reading speed and comprehension in advance. You want to ensure that you can finish the section before the time is up.

Manage your time! Make sure you pace yourself. Practice at home with TEAS practice reading materials, and estimate how much time you need to allot to each question.

Pay attention to the wording in questions. The wording in the question itself will usually provide helpful hints that can lead you toward the correct answer.

ATI TEAS Math Tips+

The ATI TEAS Math section has 36 questions to be completed in 54 minutes. The questions involve arithmetic, algebra, data and measurement.

If you haven’t studied math recently, your skills may be a little rusty. Take some time to go back and review certain mathematical calculations that are necessary to know for the TEAS math section.

Be aware of what you can and cannot do in the test hall. The ATI TEAS allows the use of a calculator. Make sure you take practice tests using a physical calculator, not using your phone or a computer.

Review the four basic functions (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division) as well as fractions, ratios and percentages.

Make sure you know how to convert between percents, decimals and fractions.

Ensure you know how to add, subtract, multiply and divide fractions.

Brush up on common mathematical rules (i.e., when adding fractions, they must have the same common denominator).

ATI TEAS Science Tips

The ATI TEAS Science section is 63 minutes long with 53 questions. It is one of the most difficult sections and has questions mainly on human anatomy, but also on scientific reasoning, and life and physical sciences.

The TEAS Science section differs from the rest of the sections because it requires a great deal of prior knowledge. Therefore, this section may require extra preparation. Factor this into your study time! To save time, check out this comprehensive science preparation pack.

Overall, you will be expected to have basic knowledge of various processes involved in chemistry, physics, biology and the natural world.

Make sure you know some quick facts about population growth and decline, and birth and fertility rates.

Most questions will focus on the body’s systems, anatomy, and physiology.

Brush up on your knowledge of the periodic table! If you are anything like me, you probably blocked that word from your memory.

Pay special care—you will be asked not only factual questions but also scientific reasoning questions. They might present you with an experiment, and ask for different interpretations and explanations.

ATI TEAS English and Language Usage Tips

The ATI TEAS English and Language Usage section is 28 minutes long and contains 28 questions. Expect questions on grammar, spelling and sentence structure.

In this section, certain questions will take longer to answer than others. For example, it might be quicker to resolve simple spelling mistakes, and take you longer to assemble proper grammar for a passage.

Review grammar rules! Make sure you know the names of the various grammar terms, and what they mean (i.e. subject-verb rules, pronoun- antecedent rules etc.)

Be able to identify different parts of speech (possessives, pronouns, adjectives, etc.)

Context clues are your friend in this section. If you are not sure about the meaning of the word, use context clues and process of elimination.

Understand word structure! Learn the meaning of common prefixes and suffixes.

Know the rules of punctuation.

Bottom line, don’t assume that you don’t need to prepare for this section. You haven’t seen most of these rules since elementary school. Check out these English language practice tests to get an idea of where you really stand.

Good luck! We hope that my test tips and pointers are helpful. Take a look at this premium preparation pack which includes full length online practice tests, extra questions for each section, detailed answers, study guides and tips. We know you will ace the test!

This article was contributed by Jennifer Feldman. She is a speech and language expert and blogger at TestPrep-online. She specializes in writing about test preparation.